ELECTION: Shooters 'sick of being treated like criminals'

THERE are just four sleeps until Queensland votes in what is predicted to be one of the most closely-fought battles in recent memory.

However the Sporting Shooters Association of Australia Queensland is making its own history, openly encouraging voters to put the major parties last on their ballot papers.

SSAA Queensland president Bob Green said the group was being unfairly targeted by the two major parties, and urged members to look at the independents and One Nation this coming election.

"We've had enough. We are members of the community like everyone else and we're bloody sick and tired of being treated like criminals by politicians," Mr Green said.

"For the first time in two decades we're telling our members how to vote. We're calling on them to put the major parties last and vote for a third party or independent, particularly one who supports our sport.

"Make no mistake, the future of our sport is under threat and we must take decisive political action to ensure citizens can continue to enjoy and succeed at it."

Mr Green said a number of restrictions placed on guns were over-reactions and put their association at risk.

"It's a lot of political hype," he said.

"Australia has always had a different culture to America. In most cases the gun issues in America are to do with guns you could never own in Australia.

"We just want a fair go and to be listened to.

"We want to use our firearms under the same criteria we always have, with licensing (and) to compete for sporting purposes."